In a first-of-its-kind judgement, a Delhi consumer court recently held Jet Airways accountable for the death of two pugs and asked it to pay Rs 1.44 lakh as compensation to the owner of the pets for causing them 'mental agony'.
But the inconsolable family has termed the verdict 'grossly inadequate'. R K Tandon and wife Sunita, owner of the pugs, said money cannot make up for the loss of two lives.
Exclusively talking to MiD-DAY Tandon said, "The loss is irreparable. As far as justice is concerned, we will be satisfied only when those guilty for the death of our pugs are punished. I am happy that the court understood our feeling and penalised the airline.
We all know no amount of money can bring them back. We don't want compensation, we want the airline to be severely punished so that it serves as a lesson for others."
Sunita added, "The pugs Jimmy (4) and Batnu (3) were like family. I got Jimmy from Delhi and Batnu from Thailand. They were like our children. Even our two sons were fond of them."
Now with the verdict vindicating their cause and holding the airline guilty of pugs' death, the family is now planning to file an FIR against Jet Airways.
The Verdict
The verdict given by the District Consumer Forum, Delhi, on July 19, (Copy with MiD DAY) clearly reads, "The death of two pugs, is great material and emotional set back and loss to the consumer, who is animal friendly.
The Opposite Party (OP) must compensate the loss. We accept the cost of Rs 1.2 lakh for two pugs as argued by complainant and deficiency in service apart from mental and sentimental harassment to the complainant.
The OP is directed to pay the cost of pugs Rs 1.2 lakh along with 9% interest from the date of death till realisation and Rs 15,000 for mental agony and harassment and Rs 5,000 for litigation charges.
The order shall be complied with within 30 days of the receipt of the copy of the order; otherwise action can be taken under Section 25 / 27 of the Consumer Protection Act.
The case
On May 9, 2009, the Tandons, then based in Mumbai, boarded the Mumbai-Delhi Jet Airways flight along with the pugs at 4 pm.
Before the departure when he checked with the airline staff about the well being of his pets, the airline staffs assured him that both were safely boarded.
After landing at Delhi at 5.40 pm, Tandon collected his baggage and headed to collect his pugs, but airline staff informed him that the pets were dead.
Shotgun support
When actor Shatrughan Sinha learnt about the plight of the Tandons through media reports, he gifted a female pug, Masakkali, to the family. She is now two years old.
The Other Side
The Jet Airways officials could not be contacted for comment despite repeated attempts.
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